CDF’s Wish List Is Not Complete

Re “Power--At Last” (April 7): Marian Wright Edelman, the Childrens’ Defense Fund, our President and First Lady, and all who work for the well-being of children are to be commended and supported. There is no excuse in this United States of America for any child not have basic needs met.

However, in reviewing the CDF’s “Wish List,” there is something conspicuously missing--birth control. For every additional baby that is born to a girl or woman who is without financial and other resources to nurture it, both the child and our society have a problem.

A massive educational effort is needed to help people understand the serious responsibility of parenthood and help them to avoid conceiving children they are not equipped to care for. Every dollar not spent on an additional crack baby, a fetal alcohol syndrome child or a child that must be placed in foster care is a dollar that can be spent on important problems facing the children who are already here.

CAROL PALLADINI

Pasadena